The EICC represents over 100 electronics companies, from consumer brands to smelters, with combined annual revenue of more than US$3 trillion and employing 5.5 million people.

Earlier this year the EICC updated its Code of Conduct to reflect the U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) final rule on 'Ending Trafficking in Persons'.

"The electronics industry has been leading the way in the fight against forced labor in global supply chains," said Rob Lederer, executive director, of the EICC. "The support of our membership to further strengthen the EICC Code of Conduct and ban recruitment fees placed on workers demonstrates the industry's commitment to combat forced labor worldwide."

The pilot program, from September 2015 to December 2016, aims to improve worker-management communication in factories; build off existing company training, grievance and helpline efforts; inform the larger EICC grievance management strategy globally; and complement other efforts to implement new standards governing foreign migrant workers.

"By improving communication in factories and enhancing worker grievance mechanisms, companies can identify and address issues in their supply chains more quickly," added Lederer. "Our ultimate goal with this program is to create better, safer environments for foreign migrant workers throughout the electronics industry."